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2018 has been a very bizarre year for WWE. On the one hand, the year has been a financial success for the company, with the company's stock reaching record highs, partly because of a multi-year deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as a deal to move SmackDown Live to FOX which will start next year.
However, there have been plenty of shortcomings for the WWE this year, with Monday Night RAW having it's lowest ever viewership in the show's 25-year history, as well as a series of controversies which is still being felt by the fans today.
Despite these ups and downs, there have been a ton of great matches, which have been able to entertain fans throughout the year, as the company continues to grow it's brand, with shows like NXT UK taking the British market by storm.
Here are the 5 best matches in the WWE, in 2018.
#5 Becky Lynch (c) Vs. Charlotte Flair (Last Woman Standing Match for SmackDown Women's Championship. WWE Evolution)
The most recent match on this list, the battle between these two former friends has been one of the most captivating feuds of this year.
At Summerslam, Lynch shockingly turned heel, attacking Flair after the 2nd Generation Superstar had won the blue brand's title.
This reign was short-lived, however, as Lynch would win the title at Hell In A Cell, setting up the rubber match at the company's first all-female pay per view.
In a truly epic battle, the pair held nothing back, with Lynch eventually emerging the victor, and will now be facing Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series.
Not only a great match, but it was also a true testament about how far the company with the women's roster finally stepping out of the shadows of their male counterpart.
#4 Seth Rollins Vs. Finn Balor (Monday Night RAW. April 2nd, 2018)
With WrestleMania 34 just a few days away, the feud between Balor, Rollins and then-IC Champion The Miz had quickly evolved.
The three represented three very different sides. Miz, the cocky champion with his back against the wall. Balor, the young upstart with everything to win. Rollins, the former top-star, ready to move back to the top.
Before Mania, however, Rollins and Balor faced on Monday Night RAW, in what is by far one of the most entertaining matches of the year, as well as a highlight for both men.
Despite the limitations that having a match on TV can bring (namely the regular advertising breaks), the pair had unbelievable chemistry together, with Rollins eventually emerging the victor.
Whilst the Architect may have won the match, it's hard to see either man as coming up short in this truly incredible match.
#3 Andrade 'Cien' Almas (c) Vs. Aleister Black (NXT Championship, NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia)
When Andrade 'Cien' Almas captured the NXT Championship, many saw it as a shock upset.
Before then, Almas had been a solid mid-carder as a part of the developmental brand, whilst then-champion Drew McIntyre had quickly become champion after returning to the WWE after a three-year absence.
But when Almas faced against the Black at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, the two engaged in a very fun match, which entertained the fans both in the city of Brotherly Love, and those at home.
With both men taking a ton of bumps (as well as some spots that pushed the PG-limit), it was eventually the ever-interfering Zelina Vega who was the difference maker, accidentally costing Almas the title.
Almas has since moved up to the main roster, and is killing it on SmackDown Live, but this match will forever be his 2018 best.
#2 AJ Styles (c) Vs. Samoa Joe (WWE Championship, Hell In A Cell 2018)
The feud between these two former TNA Wrestling stars had a lot to live up to, with the pair killing it as part of the opposition company.
Competing over the Summer in one of the most personal stories, Joe attempted to place mind games with the champ, using AJ's wife and family against him.
After retaining at Summerslam, Styles once again faced Joe at Hell In A Cell, with the Samoan dominating throughout.
In an unpredicted ending, Styles was able to pin Joe, but tapped in the process, though a referee blunder awarded Styles the victory, in the pair's best match to date.
With both men scheduled to fight at Crown Jewel, it will take a lot to out-do this match, but I'm sure Joe and Styles will rise to the occasion when they travel to Saudi Arabia.
#1 Rowdy Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle Vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon (WWE WrestleMania 34)
I've put this match as my number one, simply because, no-one could've expected it.
Debuting at the January Royal Rumble, Ronda Rousey had already proven herself in the UFC, but many fans were cautious about how she would compete in the WWE.
Those doubts were quickly quashed when she teamed with then-Raw General Manager Kurt Angle to face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
All four involved played to their strengths, with Rousey's badassery being matched only by Steph's cowardice and ability to get the upper hand through nefarious means.
Angle and the Game, as you'd expect, delivered also, with the King of Kings getting beaten up by the UFC star for his troubles.
Whilst many have turned on the Hot Rod since her debut match, no one can deny that when it comes to first matches, this is one of the best ever.
